In the convoluted landscape of NFL player movements, Amari Cooper’s journey to the Cleveland Browns involved several intricate factors. The genesis of this transfer can be traced back to the Dallas Cowboys deciding that Cooper’s contract was no longer sustainable within their payroll structure. However, the finalization of Cooper’s move to the Browns was also contingent on the collapse of trade negotiations with the Atlanta Falcons.
Before setting their sights on Cooper in March 2022, the Browns were actively involved in pursuing Calvin Ridley. According to Albert Breer of SI.com, the Browns were part of the discussions surrounding Ridley, marking a significant twist in the wider narrative of the wide receiver market during that offseason.
The Eagles had also been in the running to acquire Ridley, but his suspension emerged as a complicating factor. Simultaneously, the Browns engaged in trade talks with the Falcons, anticipating that Chris Godwin and Mike Williams would be franchise-tagged. While only Godwin received the franchise tag, Williams opted to re-sign with the Chargers, mirroring the terms of Cooper’s 2020 contract. This development narrowed the options for the Browns, who were positioning themselves for a trade involving Deshaun Watson.
With Ridley out of contention due to his suspension, the Browns successfully secured Cooper at a significantly reduced cost compared to the Cowboys’ acquisition of him from the Raiders in 2018. The Browns traded a fifth-round pick and a swap of sixth-round picks to acquire Cooper, a stark contrast to the first-round pick the Cowboys had sent to the Raiders in 2018.
Cooper’s impact on the Browns has been substantial. Setting a new single-game receiving record for the Browns and surpassing his previous career-high single-season yardage, Cooper has proven instrumental in the team’s playoff aspirations, especially given the challenges posed by starting four different quarterbacks.
The Browns’ astute move to acquire Cooper before the receiver market experienced a surge in contracts last year has proven advantageous. His existing five-year, $100 million contract, valid until 2024, now appears more favorable in the context of subsequent receiver extensions. Despite the market’s escalation, Cooper’s $20 million average annual value (AAV) dropped to a tie for 11th at the position following extensions for top receivers like Adams, Hill, McLaurin, Samuel, and Metcalf.
Looking ahead, the Browns are likely considering an extension for Cooper to further optimize their cap situation. While the Browns and Eagles navigated the receiver market during Ridley’s suspension, other teams joined the fray before the trade deadline last year. Although the Falcons received offers for Ridley, he ultimately landed with the Jaguars in a two-pick trade with the compensation yet to be finalized.
The Jaguars sent a 2023 fifth-rounder and a conditional 2024 pick to the Falcons, with the latter escalating to a fourth-round pick due to Ridley making the 53-man roster this year. The conditional pick could further increase to a second-round pick if Ridley signs an extension with the Jaguars. Ridley’s performance with the Jaguars, amassing 871 yards, adds an intriguing layer to the potential extension discussions, particularly given Christian Kirk’s existing contract through 2025.
In summary, the complex sequence of events leading to Amari Cooper’s move to the Cleveland Browns, intertwined with the broader dynamics of the receiver market, highlights the intricacies and strategic maneuvers involved in NFL player transactions. The Browns’ foresight in acquiring Cooper before the market inflation has positioned them favorably, and the evolving Ridley situation with the Jaguars adds another layer of anticipation to the ongoing NFL landscape.
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